Found 1990 E34 manual 535i >> opinions please!

[Ausmpower]

[Dave M]

Good find and welcome.

I purchased my M50 powered 525im with a bit less than 400,000km. Original everything including ZF tranny. While its different than the 535 manual gearbox, its still running flawlessly in every respect with more than 500,000 km and counting. I did just finish an engine rebuild due to low comp on one cylinder, but to the layman, it drove just fine before the work.

I'd say put the mileage in the back of your head, and inspect the vehicle solely at face value. Someone here should chime in on the Getrag? gearbox.

As for other things to watch, its a long list so try the archives or go to Bruno's "what will break page"

Good Luck,

Dave M

[Alan_525i]

If its clean, runs well and you like it, AUS$7500 seems like a good price (knowning that used prices are considerably higher there than here). You know you're buying an old car and it is likely to need work. And you're able to do the work yourself. I would buy it in a second. Parts on these cars aren't terribly expensive.

[Ausmpower]

[Alexlind123]

After you buy it, make sure the valves arent too tight. If its really quiet, then they probably are too tight. You dont want the valves burning.

[kyleN20]

looks nice, and sport seats to boot, im not sure what 7500 is in USD, but it sounds like a deal, i also dont know what 300k is in miles, but the m30 is supposed to be solid. i would get it based on my exchange estimates, e34 535im's are fun cars to own. iv been driving my work truck alot recently, and i just got in my e34 to take it for a 2 min drive, that quickly turned into a 15-20 min drive. buy it, drive it till it dies, rebuild and turbo the engine

[angrypancake]

red 535's for the win. get it!

[Paul in NZ]

actually lloks like a 535is,so it may also have lsd,with a slightly shorter ratio than the non sport 535.The basic motors on these cars are bullet proof as long as hey are serviced,and the cooling system serviced,pref with bmw blue coolant.its prolly already had a head gasket so if it is in goodshape its ready for another 100 000 k before its next freshening.The biggest downside to these cars is they are not particularly fuel efficient...i say do it,read e 34.net what will break,be aware that it is an older car so may need some routine BMW work

[we_call_him_doher]

looks really good, mine is black, but I really wish it was red and I like the body kit and the spoiler on that one. Mine has 172k miles (276k km), and it runs great, the PO did replace the cylinder head though, but the only major thing I have had to fix is the AC, everything else is in pretty good shape. The transmission is pretty durable in my opinion as I learned how to drive a manual on mine and it still shifts fine. I donno what Aussie dollars are to USD but I payed $4500 for mine if that helps at all. I say go for it!

[fujioko]

My 92 525i has 277K miles. The gearbox is origional and in perfect condition. I expect it to last another 300K. Looks like your prospective car had the stearing wheel installed on the wrong side. You would think they would catch a major flaw like that before it left the factory.